Mastering the Ultimate Builds in No Rest For The Wicked

Before diving into the top builds in No Rest For The Wicked, it’s essential to grasp how builds function in the game. Unlike the complex systems found in some ARPGs, this game leans more towards the Soulslike approach, where you focus on investing skill points into stats that enhance your equipped weapon rather than trying to perfectly align a multitude of enchanted gear with an intricate skill tree.

In No Rest For The Wicked, Dexterity and Intelligence builds tend to shine the brightest. While Strength and Faith builds can also be viable, especially if you know how to leverage them, it’s important to remember that this game is in early access and frequently receives balance updates. A build that excels today might not hold the same power tomorrow. However, if you’re finding it tough to progress in this soulslike ARPG, starting with Dexterity or Intelligence builds will give you a solid foundation that remains effective into the current endgame. Here’s a detailed breakdown.

Stats in No Rest For The Wicked can be categorized into two main groups. The first group consists of universal stats: Health, Stamina, Focus, and Equip Load. Investing in these stats will always be beneficial, but since you have a limited number of attribute points, it’s wise to focus on those that align with your chosen build. For instance, Dexterity builds thrive with high Stamina, while Intelligence builds gain significant advantages from increased Focus. Additionally, ensure you allocate enough points to Equip Load to maintain a “Normal” weight class, avoiding the temptation to don the heaviest gear just for the defense boost.

Your primary stats are Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith. These stats directly enhance the effectiveness of weapons that scale with them. Each stat corresponds to different playstyles: Strength is for heavy weapons, Dexterity suits agile weapons and bows, Intelligence is for magic-casting wands, and Faith can be a mix, supporting builds like Paladins that utilize Maces and Tower Shields. Always meet the stat requirements for your weapons; top-tier weapons typically demand 42 points in their respective power stats, while dual-stat weapons require a maximum of 26 points in each.

You’ll encounter various weapons that scale with two stats simultaneously. For these, evenly investing in both stats will yield the best power boost. While these dual-scaling weapons are somewhat niche, they generally provide slightly higher modifiers than their single-stat counterparts. This difference may not be game-changing, but it’s a nice perk for the extra effort involved in building around them.

I recommend starting by selecting a weapon that feels right for you, then channeling your power stats into what enhances that weapon. There’s a wide array of weapon types in No Rest For The Wicked, and a Strength player who enjoys axes might not find joy in using a paddle, even if it has better stats. Success in this game requires a balance of skill and power, so discover your preferred playstyle and build from there.

If you’re new to the game after the co-op update, beginning with a Dexterity build is a fantastic way to get your bearings. For melee combatants, Knives and Dual Wielding Double Daggers are incredibly effective. The fierce enemies you’ll face often leave openings for just a moment, which is perfect for landing multiple quick hits. This playstyle suits players who prefer dodging over blocking, especially while mastering the parry timing for different enemy attacks.

Bows also benefit from Dexterity, and in No Rest For The Wicked, they are quite powerful. With infinite arrows at your disposal, you can engage enemies from impressive distances. In challenging areas like the Crucible, where you can respec, you can eliminate groups of weaker foes before they even get a chance to attack. Plus, there are some exceptionally strong bows that can deal massive damage to larger enemies.

With strong melee and ranged damage, a Dexterity build offers a nimble playstyle that’s easy to pick up. For optimal performance, pair your build with gear that enhances Stamina regeneration, ensuring you have enough energy to strike when needed. Don’t forget to unlock an additional weapon slot to switch between melee and ranged attacks seamlessly!

A fun aspect of magic in No Rest For The Wicked that newcomers might overlook is that most staves and wands come with an extra spell that consumes Stamina instead of Focus. Typically, you gain Focus by attacking enemies, but magic users can opt to use their stamina spells to build up Focus instead. Who needs melee attacks, right?

Intelligence-based magic is a straightforward way to deal elemental damage and apply potent debuffs. For example, Fire magic can inflict burn damage over time, while Ice magic can freeze enemies, allowing you and your allies to unleash significant damage. Once you choose an elemental focus, you can further amplify your damage by seeking out armor enchantments that enhance that element. Prioritizing gear that boosts Focus regeneration, either through base stats or enchantments, will also help.

It’s worth noting that nearly any weapon in No Rest For The Wicked can be infused with elemental damage from various sources, but magic provides a particularly accessible route. Additionally, there are a few melee weapons that scale exclusively with Intelligence, giving you close-range options if magic isn’t cutting it.

While Intelligence builds may not match the speed of Dexterity builds, they compensate with significantly higher burst damage potential. Ultimately, don’t stress too much about which build or weapon delivers the highest DPS. Focus on what feels most natural to you and develop your build from there.